Band Instruments for
Music Students

Whether your child is in a band, or considering joining one, you'll find everything your child needs to thrive in the world of music on this page.

Do Your

Research

Without some basic knowledge about the instrument your child may want to learn, you might feel unprepared for this new experience.

Craftmanship

Feel assured that your investment will take your child to the next level. A well-made instrument should be skillfully crafted and use quality materials.

Brand

Have peace of mind knowing you have selected a well-respected brand that offers customer support and a warranty that protects your investment.

Sound

Listen for clarity, warmth and the ability to project. Even for beginners, good sound is the foundation for progress.

Select Your

Instrument

Check out our instruments that are perfect for beginners.

Image showing Yamaha YFL-222 Professional Flute

YFL-222

Standard Flute

A member of the woodwind family, the flute is famous for its natural and soloistic sound produced by an embouchure hole rather than a reed.

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Image showing Yamaha YCL-255 Standard Bb Clarinet

YCL-255

Standard B♭ Clarinet

Featuring a soft and rich tone, the clarinet is a woodwind instrument that can be made of either a durable plastic, or natural wood.

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Images showing Yamaha YAS-26 Standard Eb Alto Saxophone

YAS-26

Standard Alto Saxophone

Most famously heard in jazz ensembles, this versatile instrument is notable for its brass construction and is one of the world's most popular instruments.

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Image showing Yamaha YTR-2330 Bb Trumpet

YTR-2330

Standard B♭ Trumpet

Regarded as the soprano voice of the brass family, the trumpet is one of the most common wind instruments and can be found in almost all musical genres.

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Image showing Yamaha YSL-354 Tenor Trombone

YSL-354

Standard Trombone

Most noticeable for its slide construction, the trombone is a member of the low brass family capable of soft solo playing or adding power to the low end of an ensemble.

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Image showing Yamaha YVN003 violin

Model 3

Student Violin

The violin is a stringed instrument played with a bow and matches the range of the human voice. Sound is produced by drawing the horsehair of the bow across its 4 strings.

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Image showing Yamaha YX-1030PR Xylophones

YX-1030PR

Xylophone

This 3-octave tabletop xylophone was designed specifically for easy playability and handling. The YX-1030PR is an excellent choice for school use.

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Image showing Yamaha YM-40 3 1/2 Octave Standard Padauk Marimba

YM-40

Standard Padauk Marimba

Graduated Padauk bars that produce a full tone and projection.

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Image showing Yamaha YV-2030MS Compact Vibraphone

YV-2030MS

Compact Vibraphone

Perfect for limited budgets, beginning percussionists and those in need of a compact instrument.

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Image showing Yamaha KSD-255 Student concert snare drums

KSD-255

Snare/Concert Field Drums

The steel shell drum features ten, high-tension lugs and a 20-strand high-carbon, steel-coiled wire snare that combine to deliver a powerful, brisk sound.

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Find Your

Dealer

When you're ready, find a local authorized dealer to get your Yamaha instrument.

Dealer Locator

WHY

RENT?

Renting an instrument is an easy way for new band students to explore their musical interests. Renting is an affordable option to make learning more fun! Authorized Yamaha dealers provide service and support for Yamaha instruments that other stores cannot. When you rent a Yamaha instrument from an authorized Yamaha dealer you have complete peace of mind.

Authorized Dealer Locator Beware Unauthorized Sellers
colorful vector image of a young boy playing saxophone

BEFORE YOU

RENT

Most authorized Yamaha dealers offer a musical instrument rental program and may have even partnered with your local school to provide instrument options for you. The typical "Rental Season" starts in August and many schools host "Rental Nights" for new band parents to learn about band and find an instrument for their new band student. Here are some things to know:

  • Plan ahead: Rental Nights are typically very busy. If possible, fill out a copy of the rental form beforehand. This will make the process go more quickly and smoothly.
  • Payment will vary between dealers. However, cheaper does not always mean better. Know which brand of instrument you are renting before considering price, because a cheaper model's repair costs may end up being more than the initial cost.
  • Beware of purchasing from unauthorized online sellers. If you're looking for more affordable or used instruments, authorized Yamaha dealers offer quality-checked instruments and can offer expert advice on whether to purchase or to rent.
  • Different dealers offer different rental agreements. Make sure rental terms are clear between you and your dealer.

For more information on what these agreements might look like, see our FAQ page!

colorful vector image of a female teacher in class room

FAQs

Ever instrument should come with an Owner's Manual that includes detailed instructions on how to take care of your instrument. Can't find it? All owner's manuals are digitally available under the downloads tab of that model. Need help finding it? Send us an email at BandAndOrchestra@yamaha.com!

Maybe. Most dealers offer both new and used instruments for rent. Speak with your dealer to be sure you know what you are getting. Though used instruments can play just as good as a new one if it has been serviced properly!

These details should be laid out in the rental contract. Make sure you understand the agreement before signing and speak with your dealer if you have any questions.

The rental period may vary from dealer to dealer. Some are month to month, others have an introductory period of several months. Be sure you understand the terms before signing the contract!

In many cases, yes! Speak with your dealer for more details about a rent-to-own plan.

Many dealers do offer some sort of maintenance plan, some even provide a loaner in the case that repairs will take a few days. Consult your dealer and rental agreement to know for sure.

This will depend on the rental agreement, but in most cases yes. If your student decides they want to play a different instrument, talk with your dealer to understand what options are available!

The first line of defense when it comes to renting is the dealer that you are working with. They are always happy to help and answer any questions!

Feel free to send any questions you might have about Yamaha instruments directly to us at BandAndOrchestra@yamaha.com! We can help you learn all about an instrument or help you find the nearest authorized Yamaha dealer.